NYC-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

When it comes to cookies, there’s nothing quite like a giant, gooey, NYC-style chocolate chip cookie. They’re thick, crispy on the edges, and wonderfully soft in the center—the kind of cookie that feels like a hug in dessert form. Over the years, I’ve tried my fair share of cookie recipes, but this one? This is the winner. It’s my go-to when I want to wow friends or indulge in something amazing after a long day.

Let me tell you a little secret: this recipe is inspired by those famous cookies you’ll find in New York City—you know the ones. They’re known for their heft and that perfect balance of sweet and buttery goodness. The best part? You can make these right at home without hopping on a plane. Plus, you get the added joy of filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies. Seriously, it’s worth the effort.

What Makes NYC Cookies So Special?

If you’ve ever had an authentic NYC cookie, you’ll know they’re not your average bake sale treat. These cookies are big, bold, and packed with flavor. They’re the type of dessert that’s both indulgent and unforgettable. Here are the key factors that make them stand out:

1. Size Matters

These cookies are huge. We’re talking about a dessert that’s more like a mini meal. The extra size means they bake up with a crispy exterior while staying soft and gooey in the center. Each bite is a perfect balance of texture and taste.

2. Cold Butter Technique

Unlike most cookie recipes, which call for softened butter, NYC-style cookies use cold butter. It’s a game-changer for texture, giving you those perfect layers and preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

3. Mix of Sugars

Combining brown sugar and granulated sugar creates a deeper, caramel-like sweetness. The molasses in the brown sugar adds a rich, toffee-like flavor that elevates the cookies to a whole new level. Trust me, it’s worth it.

4. Chocolate, and Lots of It

Don’t skimp on the chocolate! Chunks, chips, or even chopped-up bars—you want pockets of melty goodness in every bite. The more chocolate, the better. It’s what makes these cookies truly decadent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get into the step-by-step, let’s gather everything you’ll need. This recipe is straightforward, but quality ingredients make all the difference. Trust me, you’ll taste it in the final product.

• 200g cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 150g light brown sugar
• 100g granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 400g plain flour
• 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 300g chocolate chunks (or chips)

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also toss in some extras like chopped nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for that gourmet touch.

How to Make NYC-Style Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep and Chill

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, cube your butter straight from the fridge. No need to wait for it to soften—cold butter is key here. Trust me, this step makes a difference.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the cold butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together. It might take a little longer than usual because of the cold butter, but keep going until it’s well combined. The mixture should look sandy but stick together when pressed. Don’t rush this step; it’s the foundation of your cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra flavor boost. The eggs help bind everything together while adding richness to the dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornflour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this to the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and nobody wants that.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate

Now for the best part—the chocolate! Gently fold in your chocolate chunks or chips. Be generous; you want plenty in every cookie. There’s nothing more satisfying than biting into a warm cookie and finding those melted chocolate pockets.

Step 6: Shape and Chill

Divide the dough into large balls (about 125g each). Yes, they’ll look massive, but that’s the point! Place them on the baking sheet and chill for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures the cookies don’t spread too much while baking. Plus, chilling enhances the flavors, so don’t skip it.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underdone. They’ll continue to cook as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft. Keep an eye on them; every oven is different.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Or, if you’re like me, grab one while it’s still warm and gooey. No judgment here! Warm cookies are the best cookies.

Tips for the Best Cookies

Use Quality Chocolate

Splurge a little on good chocolate. It makes a world of difference in flavor. I like to use a mix of milk and dark chocolate for a balanced sweetness. You can even experiment with flavored chocolates for a fun twist.

Don’t Skip the Chill

Chilling the dough is crucial. It helps the cookies keep their shape and develop a deeper flavor. If you’re short on time, you can pop them in the freezer for about 15 minutes instead.

Experiment with Add-Ins

Want to get creative? Try adding chopped nuts, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even a pinch of cinnamon to the dough. These little extras can take your cookies to the next level.

Batch Bake and Freeze

Make a double batch and freeze the dough balls for later. That way, you can bake a fresh cookie or two whenever the craving strikes. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time if you’re baking from frozen.

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

There’s something so satisfying about making these cookies from scratch. They’re impressive, comforting, and perfect for sharing (or not—no judgment!). Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies never disappoint. The process itself is therapeutic—measuring, mixing, and seeing the dough come together. It’s like a mini escape from the chaos of everyday life.

So, grab your apron and give this recipe a try. I promise it’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen. And if you do make them, let me know how they turn out. There’s nothing better than swapping baking stories over a batch of warm cookies. Trust me, once you’ve had these NYC-style chocolate chip cookies, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.